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Mondraker has unveiled an e-MTB Dune, 15 years after the launch of the original pedal-powered model.
Taking after the Neat in some key aspects such as lightness and agility, it takes a different path by offering power and performance similar to longer travel, burlier bikes like the Superfoxy and Level.
The foundation of the Dune is a Stealth Air Carbon frame weighing in at a claimed 2.650 grams, combined with the power and light weight of Bosch’s latest offering, the Performance SX.
The frame showcases Mondraker’s updated Zero Suspension and offers 165mm of rear-wheel travel and specifically tuned forward geometry.
Back in 2009, the Dune hit the market as a no-compromise full-on enduro bike, and was the first Mondraker to feature the Zero Suspension System.
An aluminium frame, 160mm travel front and back, and with the option of a 170mm fork if you went for the XR version, it was marketed as “the perfect tool” to take on the fledgling Enduro World Series.
That Dune was in Mondraker’s catalogue until 2020, and in the last five seasons available with a carbon-fibre frame too.
A spokesperson for the Spanish brand commented: “Here at Mondraker we’re convinced that the original Dune was the most purebred enduro bike we’ve ever made.
“We managed to take that breeding and improve on it and work it into our Foxy and Superfoxy MTBs, but now things have come full circle and this time it’s the Dune that’s taking all that we learned from its descendants.”
The Dune’s frame is the next iteration of the design language adopted by the Neat, with angular lines, especially towards the front of the main triangle.
It’s layered up from the top-of-the-range Stealth Air Carbon, Mondraker’s most advanced carbon fibre fabrication process, and weighs a reported 2,650 grams.
It also integrates a monobloc carbon-fibre rocker linkage, an under top tube Fidlock support, motor bash-guard, a mudguard for the shock and custom-made moulded frame guards for the rear triangle.
Frame hardware integration includes the Bosch Performance SX System Controller set into the top tube which allows riders to turn the motor on or off, select the assist mode, and check battery charge level at a glance.
There’s also a down tube located bottle cage mount which can be swapped out for a range extender support bracket if desired (for the 1.5kg, 250Wh Bosch Powermore extender).
Dune takes advantage of the all-new kinematics offered by the updated Zero Suspension system.
This updated design keeps the shock lower in the frame and makes the swingarm itself more compact, resulting in an increase in stiffness and a reduction in overall weight.
The optimisation of the kinematics provides greater initial shock sensitivity and improved shock absorbance.
Dune has also been designed around a Forward Geometry philosophy, with generous reach figures providing greater stability and confidence at high speed.
Both the Dune R and Dune RR have a 64° head angle (which drops to 63.6° on the Dune XR), steeper effective seat angles to keep weight centred on the climbs and 445mm chainstays to balance stability and agility when combined with a mixed wheel setup.
The new Bosch Performance Line SX motor provides 55Nm of torque and 600W of peak power.
As well as the integrated 400Wh battery (2.070grams), Dune and its Bosch SX have been designed to take advantage of Bosch’s PowerMore 250Wh range extender (1.5Kg) providing up to 60% more range (this accessory is an option and is not included with the bike).
When fitted, the range extender connects to the charging port on the down tube and gives a combined 650Wh of power.
While the Bosch System Controller set into the top tube allows the rider to turn the motor on and off, control the support mode and visualise the battery level, there is also a Mini Remote and Kiox 500 display on the handlebar to switch between modes and have access to a greater range of ride info.
The Bosch Performance Line SX with Smart System offers four different riding modes: Eco, Tour+, e-MTB and Turbo, each of which can be individually configured through the eBike Flow app. The handlebar mounted Kiox 500 display shows ride data in real time including power, cadence, speed and battery level, while the Mini Remote controller next to the handlebar grip allows navigation through the menu via three buttons.
The Dune range offers up three different builds, all of which have the same 165mm travel, Stealth Air Carbon frame with mixed wheels.
Both the Dune R and RR come with 170mm forks, while the Dune XR comes fitted with a 180mm fork.
So that none of the builds were “less” than the others Mondraker chose to fit all three builds with the
same tyres (Maxxis Assegai 29×2.5” WT up front and Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5×2.4” WT at the back), and 4-pot brakes with 200mm discs front and back.
All three models come fitted with bars and stems from Mondraker’s component brand OnOff.
OnOff’s Krypton 1.0 is fitted to the Dune R, while the Dune RR and XR get the OnOff Krypton Carbon 1.0.
All three bikes come with OnOff Krypton FG 30mm stems, and OnOff Desert 1lock-on 135mm grips.
Both the R and RR builds incorporate OnOff Pija dropper posts with between 125mm and 200mm of drop depending on frame size.
RRPs
Mondraker Dune R – £6,799
Mondraker – Dune RR – £8,499
Mondraker Dune XR – £11,999
Mondraker is distributed in-house by Mondraker UK.
For more information, contact a local account manager or email: UK@Mondraker.com
